Clip in auto belay. This was not an auto belay accident.

Clip in auto belay. TRUBLUE Auto Belays offer the widest weight and height ranges of any modern auto belay system. This innovative device ensures safety with minimal maintenance and no recertification needed. Our belay gate acts as an extra step and reminder for climbers to clip in before climbing helping ensure attachment of auto belay systems before getting on the wall. Designed originally for Download the operator manuals for all Head Rush Technologies products - auto belays, zip line brakes, free fall equipment - including information about device installation, operation, and troubleshooting advice. de/38335 Then the auto belay manufacturer couldn't prove that a problem with their device creating too much slack (which they knew about) didn't contribute to the fall (assumption being that with less force the bad clip possibly could have held). If the climber falls or finishes the climb, the device is able Jul 15, 2021 · No, auto belays are not dangerous. All of those elements are in place to make sure that you actually clip in and don't start climbing until that clip is secured and you've double Jan 25, 2023 · 3. Our belay gates are designed to be double-sided. Sep 21, 2023 · After months of testing, our avid rock climber and resident expert found the best climbing belay devices of 2023. Luckily this has been reduced by systems such as a large piece of tarpaulin or similar material covering the wall with the auto belay clipped into it which you have to then unclip, lower the mat (or similar) and then clip into before climbing. The most tested and trusted auto belay in the world. Aug 20, 2013 · The auto belay might be attached away from the wall. In a few cases globally, people At TRUBLUE, we're all about auto belay safety. It's the standardized speed climbing route. Anecdotally both in the UK and US it has been observed that a number of incidents around auto belays have happened with experienced climbers, for example at the end of a successful session on auto belay then getting distracted and failing to clip in. Mar 13, 2025 · Especially in facilities with young or inexperienced climbers, the TRU-CLIP Connector can help to prevent damage to your auto belay devices, while maximizing user safety. The BelayMate is an innovative safety mechanism developed by Clip ‘n Climb that provides 100% safety for climbers when connected to an Auto Belay Sep 6, 2023 · Hector Diffut, 26, fell 30 feet from the top of an indoor wall after forgetting to clip into the auto belay. The auto belay gates are the attachment point of the device when not in use. Once the climber transfers the auto belay carabiner from the gate to their harness, the Belay Gate lays flat on the floor, opening the climbing lane and alerting others there is a climber above. TCA thought it was important to bring this issue to the fore by inviting Sam to share her story. The secret is our friction-free, magnetic braking tech, which gives the softest, safest catch. A terrible fall. Jan 25, 2023 · 3. I got dropped like 30 feet before the belayer caught me at the climbing wall in my college gym, because he was chatting up my GF and not paying attention. Climbing walls offer exhilarating workouts and beautiful challenges, but safety is paramount. More Information and recommendations: https://alpenverein. The following safety products and signage are designed to help you cut through user complacency and reduce clipping errors. May 24, 2022 · Still, the easy-to-use auto belay quickly becomes the friend of many rope climbers as it provides a safe and accessible way to climb long routes by yourself. Our patented magnetic braking system, delivers the smoothest user experience, the highest level of reliability, and This video is about best practices when using an auto belay device. Built on Trust: Why Clip ‘n Climb Only Uses TRUBLUE At Clip ‘n Climb, everything we do is built on quality, trust and an unwavering focus on safety. We also see this demographic trend in top roping and lead climbing. He was focused on movement, time, et cetera, overlooking the basic safety mechanics. High visibility yellow Head Rush Technologies adventure products for climbing, free fall, and zip lines. You simply insert the bight of your rope through one open slot, then clip a locking carabiner through the loop and attach it to the belay loop on your harness. Black Diamond ATC, Petzl Verso, etc), but they require the same belay technique. Like when I crash my car it isn't a failure to operate a motor vehicle, it's a car accident. Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. The Self Belay 2. Anyone 15 years and younger must be helped to clip in & out by someone who is auto belay certified. com When you're using a carabiner, whether that be to belay another, rappel, or clip into an auto-belay you don't have to worry about friction between the metal and your harness, so it is appropriate to clip into your belay loop; that's why it's there. Designed with graphic instructions that make it easy to understand in any language, they are an essential risk management tool anywhere auto belays are used. Discover how facilities can integrate best practices to scale heights securely. Instead, the climber clips into the auto belay device, which connects to the top of the wall. You are correct that it was not an autobelay device failure. They are designed to prevent climbers from attempting to climb unattached and to be the last point of warning and checkpoint whether the belay device has been attached to the user’s harness. Slow down, try to be more in the present, and give yourself a checklist/routine to follow every time you step up to the belay. TRUBLUE Auto Belays are the global gold standard, used in thousands of facilities worldwide and relied upon by climbers of May 24, 2025 · Basically it forces the climber to clip in or the auto belay rope will remain secured to the floor, it is designed to prevent the accidents which occur from people setting off up auto belay routes without clipping in. They eliminate the need for a climbing partner who belays the climber, belaying is manually controlling the rope to hold the climber… Jan 4, 2021 · Auto-belay devices are designed as circular tools that can be easily mounted to the uppermost part of a climbing wall. When the auto belay is not in use, the outward-facing message instructs approaching climbers to "Clip In". Climb as far as you can! Jun 20, 2013 · Most gyms will have a sign, perhaps some sort of covering on the wall. The data shows that these accidents occur among both new and experienced climbers. 3. Grow your climbing community by providing more access to more routes for more climbers. Unlike other climbing disciplines, where technical ability (such as a knowledge of safety knots or the proper use of a belay device like an ATC or GriGri) is required, failing to clip into an auto belay is usually not caused by a lack of technical expertise. CHECK AUTO BELAY OPERATION BY PULLING OUT A SHORT SECTION AND ALLOWING IT TO RETRACT If the Auto Belay line fails to retract, do not clip into the Auto Belay and request assistance Jan 6, 2023 · Get essential tips and guidelines for climbing on an auto-belay system, ensuring safety, and great customer experiences in climbing gyms. The TRUBLUE iQ PLUS the first and only auto belay equipped with Catch-and-Hold technology. Meet Ellen, a Head Rush Tech Engineer! Everyone should know these simple steps before using an auto belay. They come with a built-in lanyard, fitted through a special mechanism that automatically picks up the slack. The secret is our friction-free, magnetic braking technology, which gives the softest, safest, most consistent catch available on the market today. How Do Auto Belay Systems Work? Auto belays operate using either magnetic braking, centrifugal force, or hydraulic systems, depending on the design. Jan 24, 2023 · Knowing your gym's procedures, how to properly clip into and out of, and safety requirements is critical before jumping head first to climbing with an auto belay. Our patented magnetic braking technology has enabled the TRUBLUE Auto Belay to become the most tested and trusted Auto Belay in the world. The Perfect Descent Auto Belay Gate is the must-have companion for your auto belay. Insurance probably determined falls under 30 feet are statistically more survivable/less expensive than falls over 30 feet. Check the crab is locked and then unclip the other carabiner from the ground anchor, now climb. This was not an auto belay accident. Reattach the carabiner to the belay gate or designated attachment point How to Become an Auto Belay Pro Now that you're familiar with the basic operation of an auto belay you can take the next step toward becoming an auto belay master. Now everyone can feel what it’s like to make it to the top! Feb 22, 2020 · There are a variety of tubular belay device designs on the market today (i. The TRU-CLIP Connector is a sequenced climbing system. Reply reply llamaesunquadrupedo • Jul 20, 2022 · Enhanced Smart-Belay safety with LockD clips, the industry's most advanced belay carabiner, delivering superior security for climbers. 0 is an auto belay accessory that eliminates accidental climber webbing releases and removes the difficulty of pulling down webbing to clip in. Clip the lead rope as you move up, with the auto-belay acting as your lifeline. Belay gates should also include relevant messaging, once again reenforcing the importance of clipping in before climbing. ) can lead to equipment failures that may cause me to The other issue is being clipped in - a large number of near misses are due to folk just climbing without clipping in. Head Rush Technologies adventure products for climbing, free fall, and zip lines. The question is do you take that gamble putting one on a 60 ft wall? Reply reply RRErika • Reply reply blacksheep_onfire Oct 12, 2020 · Wondering what auto belays are? In this post, we detail what are the main types of auto belays, how they work and how to use them properly. While not in use, the auto belay clips into the triangular Belay Gate, blocking the initial foot holds and hand holds of a climbing lane. Jan 3, 2023 · Unlike other climbing disciplines, where technical ability (such as a knowledge of safety knots or the proper use of a belay device like an ATC or GriGri) is required, failing to clip into an auto belay is usually not caused by a lack of technical expertise. e. With the auto belay lanyard secured to the top loop, the Auto Belay Gate becomes a physical barrier that covers the starting footholds on a route and reduces the possibility of climbing without first clipping in. Jun 20, 2013 · Learn how to use an auto-belay device from indoor rock climbing expert Cliff Simanski in this Howcast video. The goal of these barriers is to prevent users from climbing without clipping into the auto belay device. Basic Operation: Climber clips in: The climber attaches the auto belay’s carabiner to their harness Jun 27, 2025 · Auto belay incidents caused by failing to clip in – at least the ones we hear about – seem to happen more frequently to experienced climbers. This caused all auto Belays to be taken down. The number of auto belay accidents are increasing. Oct 22, 2024 · We're excited to introduce the TRU-CLIP Connector and TRU-ALERT Height Sensor, designed to tackle common safety challenges with auto belay devices. Essential tips for indoor climbing, focusing on top-roping and leading. Reply subarublu • He forgot to clip in to the auto belay Reply More replies profmcstabbins • May 24, 2024 · The TRU-Clip Connector is a lightweight, easy-to-use belay system designed to prevent climbers from climbing unattached to the auto-belay webbing. To maintain optimal safety, special speed auto belays are specifically designed to take in slack faster than standard auto belays, staying ahead of even the fastest climbers in the world. Feb 8, 2024 · Allen Sanderson wrote: The thread title is not correct. People are dangerous. Establish an auto belay zone Setting aside an area exclusively for auto belays can result in a host of benefits and is worth considering if the layout of your gym allows for it. Apr 24, 2023 · An auto belay is a mechanical device that is used in rock climbing to provide an effective and efficient way of lowering a climber to the ground after they have completed their climb. Jun 2, 2023 · The updated guidance requires using barriers with auto belays. On December 14, Adam Herzog (43) suffered severe head trauma, 15 fractures, spinal injury, and other trauma after failing to clip into an auto-belay in a climbing gym. See full list on headrushtech. I check it every few feet - auto belay makes me more nervous than being belayed. A separate auto belay zone also promotes safety, lowers potential risks, helps Provided you clip in, an auto-belay is safer than having someone belay you. With a triple-action auto-locking carabiner, all you have to do is position the carabiner around your belay loop and let go of the collar. Aug 25, 2023 · Auto belays are fantastic devices that allow you to climb roped walls without a human belayer. 1 day ago · Best Climbing Carabiners of 2025 Clip in with our top locking, auto-locking, wiregate, and belay carabiners for climbing August 7th, 2025 Home → Gear Reviews → Climbing Jun 6, 2025 · As it happened, the climbing industry had sustained a fatal fall some months before when a climber forgot to clip in on an auto belay. All of those elements are in place to make sure that you actually clip in and don't start climbing until that clip is secured and you've double checked it. The device enables a climber to ascend indoor routes on a top rope but without the need for a human belaying partner. Dec 16, 2013 · The latest safety trend to hit the climbing gym scene is auto belay barriers. Our Zip Line and Free Fall products for the amusement and adventure industries are used in the most epic builds around the globe. Whether you use our Clip, Check, Climb system or an industry alternative, we highly encourage you to mount some form of auto belay safety signage in your facility. It’s not that the devices are unsafe at one but not the other, but people have proven many times that they don’t know how to clip in correctly. If there are no belay gates present, there should be a low climbing bolt available to clip in. The more fortunate have realised their mistake and downclimbed, while others have miraculously been spared of serious consequences by a low fall. Always make sure you check retraction, double chec While not in use, the auto belay clips into this two-sided, triangular Belay Gate, blocking the initial foot holds and hand holds of a climbing lane. Jan 15, 2024 · Gym signage + auto-belay gates + routesetting. The barrier is easy to set up and can be customized to fit a variety of climbing routes and Jan 3, 2023 · Auto belays also play an essential role in the rapidly growing sport of Speed Climbing, where athletes race each other up a set climbing route. For new climbers, it offers an easy alternative to triple-action carabiners and minimizes the likelihood of clipping errors. With the auto belay lanyard secured to the top loop, the Auto Belay Gate becomes a physical The belay carabiner is still attached to the anchor at the beginning of the clip. Instead, you clip into a rope or a webbing which is linked to the auto belay device fixed at the top of the climbing wall. Channelized attention and failed to realize he didn't clip I to the auto belay. *They are required to have a current Assumption of Risk form and current belay certifications. Failing to clip in is the leading cause of injury when climbing on auto belay. Rescue clinics + rescue quickdraws. Nov 29, 2019 · A new video released by The Climbing Academy (TCA) Glasgow highlights a worrying trend in indoor climbing accidents: people are forgetting to clip into the auto belay tape and are effectively soloing auto belay lines. I have been shown how to use the Auto-Belay system including how to clip the auto-belay onto the belay loop of my climbing harness. Put another way, your brakes don't have to fail for you 1. 15 meters or so. The carabiner somehow got pushed up against a hold and unclipped from the belay loop leaving the climber stranded mid-route. You can find out more about Speed Climbing’s impact on the Jun 30, 2023 · climbing’s latest innovation: auto-belays Auto Belays are great tools that allow participants to climb “roped” walls without a human belayer. Although climbing gyms have different policies, all share one key instructional ingredient: clip the auto-belay into the belay loop of your harness. Double-check that the carabiner attached to you is locked. Dec 14, 2017 · Always descend feet first, using feet to fend off obstacles and prepare for landing. Apr 29, 2021 · Seattle’s Vertical World climbing gym is fighting a $1,000,000 lawsuit brought by an injured gym member, who allegedly fell off an auto-belay route after failing to fully clip in. TRUBLUE Auto Belays are engineered to minimize maintenance and are built to last. Apr 21, 2023 · The proxy climbing auto belay barrier is an essential accessory for any climbing gym or home wall utilizing auto belay systems. Just remember, you're on your own and betting on the proper functioning of the auto belay, so be alert to any odd or changing performance in the device. This is why you perform the super quick safety check before climbing any wall, making sure you are tied in to the rope with a proper figure 8 through both harness loops, or properly clipped into the autobelay. May 28, 2024 · Follow these steps to use an auto belay: Pull down on the auto belay sling and clip the carabiner to your belay loop. World Leading Auto Belay and BelayMate Did you know Clip ‘n Climb developed the TruBlue Auto Belay? Back in 2007, we joined forces with Christchurch-based design engineers, Holmes Consulting, to develop an Auto Belay specifically for the climbing industry. Feb 23, 2024 · A 22-year-old climber fell 50 feet after forgetting to clip into the belay device at the bottom of the climb in a Polish gym. That’s why, when it comes to auto belay systems, there’s only one brand we trust: TRUBLUE by Head Rush Technologies. Barriers help demarcate the auto belay area, and play a role in reducing the risk of incidents where a climber fails to clip in. Clip the carabiner into the belay loop on your harness Unlike top-roping or lead climbing, when you are climbing on auto belay, you should clip directly into the belay loop of your climbing harness. Jul 21, 2016 · If you’re just getting into lead climbing, practice clipping by tying into a lead rope AND clipping into the auto-belay. I wouldn’t be surprised if gyms starting paying an extra employee to stand around and make sure folks are clipped in properly, with a nominal increase in membership cost. Most modern auto belays, including those offered by Stepin Adventure, use magnet-based eddy current braking for smooth and controlled descent. May 28, 2021 · Grasp auto-belays' benefits in climbing: no belayer needed, ensuring safety, independence, and accessibility for climbers of all levels. Unclip the second carabiner, if there is one, from the tarp and lay it on the ground. Oh man - failure to clip in? I am so paranoid about clipping in on Auto Belay. Durable, light and upgrade-ready! Self regulating magnetic braking system Designed for indoor or outdoor use Handmade in the USA with high-quality parts If selecting TRU-CLIP Connector, additional Key Links may be needed for optimal coverage. There are many companies currently making large belay gates and other devices such as warning systems or alternative connection devices are also available. You can then start climbing freely, if you fall or finish the climb, the auto belay lowers you to the ground at a slow, controlled rate. The Self Belay is an auto belay accessory that eliminates accidental climber webbing releases and removes difficulty of pulling down webbing to clip in. Next stage is clipping in which It's not much different from clipping in when using an auto-belayer. Auto belay "TruBlue Speed" auto-belay fixed at the top of an indoor climbing route An auto belay (or autobelay) is a mechanical device for belaying in indoor climbing walls, in both training and competition climbing formats. Explore the convenience of auto belay systems in rock climbing gyms: a safe, solo climbing experience with easy-to-use equipment. Or how lots of people TR solo and clip their progress capture device to the belay loop with a carabiner. Create a convenient clip-in point for the auto belay when it’s not in use during operating hours. Auto Belay makes climbing simple and approachable, turning first-time users into return customers. Our belay gates clearly identify the auto belay routes in your gym and remind climbers to clip in before climbing. We came to the decision to remove auto belays. The auto belay might be attached away from the wall. I will actually verbally say these to myself to make sure I’m checking each thing especially on an auto belay where you don’t have anyone to double check for you. Feb 20, 2021 · Forgetting to clip auto belay – an interview In 2019, experienced Glasgow-based climber Sam, took a fall from an auto belay after not clipping in at The Prop Store in Maryhill. Most of these are falls from the top of the wall due to failure to clip in, making them catastrophic. Or how sport climbers thread through the anchor and clip a loop knot on a bight to their belay loop when lowering off after leading. * You must be 16 years of age or older to be trained and certified to operate the auto belay systems. Combat Complacency, Reduce Errors, Maximize Safety TRUBLUE Safety Products As the maker of the TRUBLUE Auto Belay, safety is our top priority. A close call that I am aware of with an auto belay was due to someone's t-shirt and/or belay loop getting stuck in the carabiner gate and preventing the gate from fully closing and autolocking. LockD Clips is the most advanced smart belay system in adventure recreation worldwide, designed for use at adventure parks and ropes courses. To see the full sequence, watch this step-by-step guide on how to climb with an auto belay device. When you are done, always clip your belay line back to the ground anchor first before unclipping your harness. Reply reply sykessen • Sep 21, 2023 · Seattle's Vertical World and Colorado-based manufacturer C3, which produces Perfect Descent auto belays, have settled in a lawsuit following a severe climbing accident that occurred on August 1 . I understand that clipping into other parts of the harness (such as gear loops, the harness belt, leg loops, carabiners other than the locking carabiner that is an integral part of the auto-belay tether, etc. Unlike magnetic, a friction auto belay uses a drum brake, similar to a parking brake in a car. In this episode: tips on how to use an auto belay. But recently there was a big lawsuit here in WA at a gym where someone didn’t clip in properly to an auto belay and decked. Our number one priority is to ensure that every experience on a TRUBLUE Auto Belay is a protected one. Feb 22, 2020 · Clip the free locking carabiner to your belay loop. For new climbers, it offers an easy alternative to triple action carabiners and mitigates likelihood of clipping errors. Jun 30, 2023 · Dive into the world of Auto Belay Safety with this guide. If we know that accidents happen when people forget to clip-in, climbing gyms should be making it more difficult for people to leave the ground without seeing a sign or moving a belay gate reminding them to clip-in. But it was an auto belay accident. Always descend feet first, using feet to fend off obstacles and prepare for landing. Jan 5, 2018 · Friction Braking Auto Belays Like magnetic auto belays, friction auto belays hang on the top of the wall and use a retraction spring to take in webbing as a climber ascends. It was a failure to clip into a belay (auto or otherwise). Everyone was wondering how a climber, experienced in using auto belays, could have made such a life-and-death mistake. Our hope is that this will act as a tangible reminder to all climbers, whether brand new or highly experienced to climb Mar 11, 2020 · TRUBLUE Auto Belays offer the widest weight & height ranges. Sep 27, 2023 · Vertical World and C3 Manufacturing recently agreed to pay a climber $6 million, one of the largest settlements in the climbing gym industry’s history, following an auto belay accident. In terms of staffing, an auto belay zone makes it easy to monitor large numbers of climbers with only a few dedicated staff members. hmrqf djvh ijkb zvhe fysrxxf vxf ozhzm kbcpso yuxgqg yijsa